New Zealand's South Island flood strands 382 visitors

WELLINGTON - A big flood left 382 people stranded in Fiordland of the southern part of New Zealand's South Island on Monday, as it cut off the only route out of Milford Sound, a well-known tourist attraction.

The state highway in or out of Milford Sound will remain closed till further notice, said the Transport Agency.

Tourists are affected as the visitors' carparks and terminal in Milford Sound are flooded, local media reported. A state of emergency has been declared.

Emergency services fly into the flooded area by helicopter to check on the 382 stranded people, including staff and visitors, and the only way out for them was by sea or air, local media reported.

Those stranded have plenty of food and are safe with the help of tour agencies.